Platelet indices in dogs with thrombocytopenia and dogs with normal platelet counts

Abstract

ABSTRACT.It is well known that thrombocytopenia is the most commonly acquired haemostatic disorder in dogs and can be potentially life-threatening. With the use of automated analysers, platelet indices such as Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), and Platelet Large Cell Ratio (P-LCR), became routinely available, allowing data comparison and error checks which results in a more effective quality control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of platelet indices (MPV, PDW and P-LCR) in dogs with thrombocytopenia and with normal platelet values. The results of 351 CBCs processed in an automated veterinary haematology counter Sysmex ® pocH-100iV Diff were analysed. Two groups of dogs were established, those with thrombocytopenia (45) and those with normal platelet counts (306). Thrombocytopenic dogs were subdivided in dogs with less than 150,000 platelets/ µL of blood (19/42,2%) and dogs with over 150,000 platelets /µL of blood (26/ 57,8%). Mean values of PDW and P-LCR indices in thrombocytopenic animals were significantly higher than the mean values of animals with normal platelet counts. There was no significant difference in any of the indices in either group of thrombocytopenic dogs. Macroplatelets were present in the blood smears of thrombocytopenic dogs. Results suggested increased thrombopoiesis and release of different sized platelets. It was concluded that both PDW and P-LCR increase in dogs with thrombocytopenia and they are more sensitive than MPV. P-LCR is also important in thrombocytopenic dogs, especially when associated to the presence of large platelets in blood smears.Key words: platelets, anisocytosis, blood cell analyzer, platelet distribution width. RESUMEN.Es conocido que la trombocitopenia es el trastorno hemostático más común de los perros y una potencial amenaza de vida. Utilizando analizadores automatizados, los índices plaquetarios como el Volumen Plaquetario Medio (MPV), la Amplitud de Distribución Plaquetaria (PDW) y el Porcentaje de Plaquetas Grandes (P-LCR) han sido exámenes rutineros, permitiendo comparaciones de datos y verificaciones de errores y, consecuentemente, un mayor control de calidad. El objetivo del estudio consistió en evaluar el patrón de los índices plaquetarios (MPV, PDW y P-LCR ) en perros trombocitopénicos y perros con valores plaquetarios normales. Fueron analizados los resultados de 351 hemogramas procesados en un contador automatizado de hematología veterinaria Sysmex ® pocH-100iV Diff. Los perros fueron divididos entre los trombocitopénicos (45) y aquellos con recuentos plaquetarios normales (306). Se dividieron los perros trombocitopénicos entre los que presentaban menos que 150.000 plaquetas/µL de sangre (19/42,2%) y los que tenían más que 150.000 plaquetas/µL de sangre (26/57,8%). Los promedios de los índices de PDW y P-LCR en los trombocitopénicos fueron significativamente mayores que aquellos de animales con recuentos plaquetarios normales. No hubo diferencias significativas en ninguno de los índices entre los grupos trom...

Thrombocyte indices and plateletcrit in dogs with primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia

“…In this study, we ruled out the other causes of secondary IMHA by anamnesis, physical examination, blood analyses (including serum profiles), imaging, urinalysis, cytology, biopsy, and snap tests. We could not compare the results of studies with larger cases concerning secondary thrombocytopenia (21). A predisposition to IMHA has been reported in Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Setters, Bichons Frises, Pinschers and Collies (4,10,19).…”

Investigation of platelet measurands in dogs with hematologic neoplasia

“…PDW has been found to be significantly higher in dogs with thrombocytopenia 21 . It has also been recommended as a good index for the diagnosis of ITP with active thrombopoiesis vs thrombocytopenia due to decreased production from the bone marrow of people 27,28 .…”

“…In another study, PDW and large platelets were found to be significantly higher in dogs with thrombocytopenia, indicating increased thrombopoiesis and the release of different sized platelets. 21 Finally, it was found that MPV, and more numerous large platelets. 8 The findings of this study suggest that MPC changes could be seen with processes other than inflammation and that not all inflammatory diseases lead to changes in MPC.…”

“…17,18 The clinical significance of platelet measurands such as MPV, PDW, MPC, PCT, MPM, and others has been extensively evaluated for a variety of diseases in people [18][19][20] and more recently in veterinary species. 8,10,[21][22][23] In veterinary medicine, research regarding platelet measurands has been focused in dogs with conditions such as Babesia rossi infection, 10 thrombocytopenia, 21 "immune-mediated" thrombocytopenia (ITP), immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), sepsis, and inflammatory diseases. 8 In dogs with B rossi infection, PLT and PCT were significantly decreased in both survivors and nonsurvivors, and the MPV (suggestive of increased platelet production) was increased in both groups.…”

“…PDW has been found to be significantly higher in dogs with thrombocytopenia. 21 It has also been recommended as a good index for the diagnosis of ITP with active thrombopoiesis vs thrombocytopenia due to decreased production from the bone marrow of people. 27,28 However, Smith et al did not identify a significant difference in PDW when comparing dogs with ITP to a control group that was presented for orthopedic surgery.…”